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Correct Answers

1. B. He cast salt into the spring of the waters.
2. B. The leprosy of Naaman would cleave unto him and his seed forever.
3. B. It dried up from its roots.
4. B. That curses must be tackled from their source or roots to be effective.
5. A. A divine curse cannot be reversed except by God.

Objective Questions

1. According to 2 Kings 2:21, what did Elisha do to heal the waters at Jericho?
A. He prayed and fasted for seven days.
B. He cast salt into the spring of the waters.
C. He poured oil into the river.
D. He struck the water with his staff.

2. In 2 Kings 5:20-27, what curse was pronounced upon Gehazi and his seed?
A. He would become poor forever.
B. The leprosy of Naaman would cleave unto him and his seed forever.
C. He would lose his position as Elisha's servant.
D. He would be barren and childless.

3. According to the devotional, what significant detail about the fig tree's death in Mark 11:12-20 reveals how curses operate?
A. It withered from the top down.
B. It dried up from its roots.
C. It died immediately.
D. It turned yellow before dying.

4. What lesson does the author draw from the story of the men of Jericho in 2 Kings 2:19-22?
A. That salt is more powerful than water.
B. That curses must be tackled from their source or roots to be effective.
C. That cities are easier to bless than individuals.
D. That Elisha preferred healing waters to healing people.

5. According to the devotional, what is the key difference between a curse pronounced by a man and a divine curse?
A. A divine curse cannot be reversed except by God.
B. Man's curses are more powerful than divine curses.
C. Divine curses only affect individuals, not families.
D. Man's curses last longer than divine curses.

Prayer Points on "THE ROOT CURSE"

1. Father, I thank You for being the God who heals waters, reverses curses, and brings life where there has been death and barrenness. Thank You for Your power over every root curse, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every sin, covenant, or iniquity in my lineage—whether known or unknown—that has opened the door to root curses operating in my life and family, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, I speak to every root curse in my life and family today. Just as the fig tree dried up from its roots after Jesus cursed it, I command every curse affecting my roots to be uprooted and destroyed now, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, like the men of Jericho who brought their problem to Elisha, I bring every curse operating in my family to You. Go to the very source of every inherited curse and heal it permanently, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, I break every curse of Gehazi over my life and lineage. Let no leprosy—physical, spiritual, or financial—cleave to me or my seed. Let every generational curse be terminated now, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, expose every area where I or my family have been "green on the outside" but cursed at the roots. Let the hidden work of the enemy be revealed and destroyed by Your light, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, I apply the blood of Jesus to the roots of my family tree. Let every evil inheritance, every pattern of death, barrenness, poverty, and failure be washed away by the power of Your blood, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, for everyone reading this who suspects a root curse operating in their life, I pray that You will send Your healing salt to the source of their problem. Let every curse cease to function from this moment, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every curse spoken against me or my lineage is reversed by the finished work of Christ on the cross, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific patterns of death, barrenness, failure, or affliction in your family that you believe may be rooted in a curse, and ask God to deal with them at the root).

11. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayer. I receive my deliverance from every root curse, and I declare that my family and I are free indeed, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: FRIDAY MARCH 20TH 2026


THEME: THE ROOT CURSE


MEMORISE: And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. 2 Kings 2:21


READ: 2 Kings 5:20-27
20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.

21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?

22 And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.

23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two talents. And he urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants; and they bare them before him.

24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.

25 But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisha said unto him, Whence comest thou, Gehazi? And he said, Thy servant went no whither.

26 And he said unto him, Went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow.


MESSAGE
In Mark 11:12-20, Jesus cursed a fig tree for not having any fruit on it, and it dried up from its roots. I believe the detail that the tree dried up from its roots was added to let us know that curses attack roots; they always go root- deep.

Immediately after Jesus cursed the fig tree, the disciples could have looked behind them as they left the scene and discovered that its leaves were still green. I imagine that one of them could have said to himself, "Jesus missed this one because the leaves on the tree are still as green as ever." Little did they know that the curse was already taking effect from the tree's roots.

Beloved, be careful of curses, especially divine curses. If a man curses another man, it can be reversed by another man with a higher spiritual authority. However, when it is a divine curse, no one can reverse it, except God. There are several people who have been cursed but still look 'green'.
For example, a fellow might break away from his or her local church in a malicious manner and still look fine on the outside; however, the fellow's roots might have been affected, and with time, the consequences will begin to manifest. If you remove a branch from a tree, it dies instantly; however, it is not immediately apparent. It is only after a while that it will start turning yellow before it eventually turns black. When it is yellow, people might think it is prosperous, only to discover later that it was actually dying.

In today's Bible reading, when Elisha pronounced a curse on Gehazi, he said that Naaman's leprosy would cleave to him and his seed forever. The curse went straight to the roots of his lineage such that any fellow who came from that lineage would carry the curse. In 2 Kings 2:19-22, the men of Jericho came to Elisha to tell him that their city looked beautiful, but they had severe problems. When they brought him the new cruse of salt he requested, he went straight to the source of their river so he could tackle the city's curse from its roots.

Child of God, are you experiencing the aftermath of a curse that you or someone in your lineage brought into the family? I speak to the roots of that curse now, and I decree that every inherited curse will cease to function in your life and family from this moment, in Jesus' name.

PRAYER POINT
Lord, please remove any curse that might be operating in my family from its roots, in Jesus' name.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 20-21


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 27: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

2 Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

3 Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Correct Answers

1. B. A hypocrite shall not come before God.
2. B. They sold their land and kept part of the price while pretending to give the full amount.
3. C. A show of hypocrisy.
4. B. It is for a moment.
5. B. They will have their part in the lake of fire.

Objective Questions

1. According to Job 13:16, what is said about a hypocrite?
A. A hypocrite shall be forgiven.
B. A hypocrite shall not come before God.
C. A hypocrite shall be wealthy.
D. A hypocrite shall live long.

2. In Acts 5:1-11, what was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira that led to their deaths?
A. They stole money from the church treasury.
B. They sold their land and kept part of the price while pretending to give the full amount.
C. They refused to sell their land.
D. They spoke against the apostles.

3. According to Mark 11:12-20, what did the fig tree with leaves but no fruit represent?
A. A fruitful tree.
B. A tree that was out of season.
C. A show of hypocrisy.
D. A healthy tree.

4. What does Job 20:5 say about the joy of a hypocrite?
A. It lasts forever.
B. It is for a moment.
C. It grows with time.
D. It is shared with many.

5. According to Revelation 21:8, what will happen to all liars?
A. They will be forgiven.
B. They will have their part in the lake of fire.
C. They will be given another chance.
D. They will become rulers.

Prayer Points on "GOD HATES HYPOCRISY"

1. Father, I thank You for being a God of truth who desires truth in the inward parts. Thank You for Your word that exposes every form of hypocrisy and calls us to genuine living, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have pretended to be someone I am not, inflated the truth, or lived a double life—acting one way in public but differently in private, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, search my heart and reveal every area of hypocrisy in my life. Where I have leaves without fruit, where I have outward show without inward reality, expose it and help me to repent, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, deliver me from the spirit of Ananias and Sapphira—the spirit of deception, lying to the Holy Spirit, and seeking the approval of men through falsehood. Let truth and integrity mark my life, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, help me to be genuine in my worship. Let my private prayers and devotion match my public expressions of faith. Let me not be a minister who leads others but fails to meet with You personally, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, I reject every form of hypocrisy in reporting, whether in finances, church attendance, or personal achievements. Give me the grace to be honest and accurate in all my dealings, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, let me not seek to look good in the eyes of people at the expense of truth. Help me to become who You want me to be, not just what others expect me to appear to be, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, I pray for every believer reading this. Let the fear of God, like that which came upon the early church, fall upon us and keep us from hypocrisy and deception, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, according to Job 8:13, let not the hope of any hypocrite here be realized. Rather, turn our hearts to genuine repentance and sincere living before You, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific areas where you struggle with authenticity—public vs private life, giving, reporting, relationships—and ask God for genuine transformation).

11. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayer. I receive the grace to walk in truth and sincerity all the days of my life, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: THURSDAY MARCH 19TH 2026


THEME: GOD HATES HYPOCRISY


MEMORISE: He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Job 13:16


READ: Acts 5:1-11
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.


MESSAGE
In Mark 11:12-20, the Bible tells us about a fig tree that failed to produce fruit for Jesus to eat when He was hungry. Usually, when figs are in season, fig trees give a sign by producing many leaves, signaling that there are fruits on them. The fig tree in this passage, however, had leaves but no fruit - it was a show of hypocrisy. It is also a show of hypocrisy when a minister leads prayer or worship in church and puts up an impressive physical performance but hardly prays or worships in private. A preacher once said that some believers pretend to be very strong in the Lord when they have just failed Him.

In Job 8:13, the Bible says that the hope of hypocrites will perish. Today's memory verse also tells us that God doesn't want hypocrites in His presence- this is a serious warning to believers. Job 15:34 says that the congregation of hypocrites will be barren, and Job 20:5 says that the joy of a hypocrite will not last because it is for a moment. One of the passages in the Bible that challenged me as a young Christian is the story of Ananias and Sapphira, which is today's Bible reading. The couple sold a piece of land, kept a part of the money, lied to Peter about it, and this cost them their lives. I thought their punishment was harsh; the land and the money were theirs, after all.

However, the issue was that Ananias and Sapphira attempted to deceive the church. God hates lies, and no liar will go to heaven (Revelation 21:8 ). As I studied the couple's story, I discovered that God punished them because they were hypocrites.
Many believers fall into the trap of hypocrisy when they fail to give accurate reports of things that are entrusted into their care. Even some pastors are known to inflate their church's attendance records, and when they are asked how the church is doing, they say, "Great". 1 believe that a fellow is not doing great until the person doubles what the Lord has placed in his or her hand, as we see in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30).

Beloved, when you pretend to be who you are not just because you want to look good in the eyes of the people around you, you are only deceiving yourself. Rather, seek God's face to help you to become who He wants you to be.


KEY POINT
Hypocrisy attracts God's anger. Avoid it.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 17-19


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 31: YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Savior,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.

Objective Questions

1. According to Ecclesiastes 12:1, when should a person remember their Creator?
A. In the days of old age.
B. In the days of youth, before the evil days come.
C. Only on Sundays and holy days.
D. When facing difficulties and challenges.

2. In Mark 11:12-20, what reason is given for why the fig tree had no fruit when Jesus approached it?
A. It was diseased and dying.
B. It was not the season for figs.
C. The disciples had picked all the fruit.
D. It was a barren tree by nature.

3. What lesson does the devotional draw from the fact that the time for figs had not yet come?
A. Jesus was unreasonable in His expectations.
B. God's time is always the right time, and He expects fruitfulness at His appointed times.
C. Fig trees should only be judged during their season.
D. We should wait for the right season before serving God.

4. According to Proverbs 8:17, what is promised to those who seek God early?
A. They shall find Him.
B. They shall become wealthy.
C. They shall have long life.
D. They shall never face challenges.

5. What does John 15:4 teach about the ability to bear fruit?
A. A person can bear fruit by their own strength.
B. Without Jesus, we can do nothing.
C. Fruit-bearing depends only on hard work.
D. Anyone can bear fruit regardless of their relationship with God.

Prayer Points on "REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR"

1. Father, I thank You for being my Creator and the Author of my life. Thank You for creating me for Your pleasure and for the purpose of bearing fruit for Your kingdom, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have wasted my youth, squandered my years on unimportant things, or failed to seek You early in my life, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, I remember You today in the days of my youth (or in the remaining days of my life). I surrender my heart, my time, and my future to You. Let me bear fruit for Your kingdom at every season, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, teach me that Your time is always the right time. When You call me, whether early or late, give me the grace to respond immediately and to be fruitful in Your appointed seasons, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, I do not want to be like the fig tree that had leaves but no fruit. Let my life be marked by genuine fruitfulness—the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit of souls, and the fruit of righteous living, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, help me to seek You early and diligently. Let me find You in every pursuit and cultivate a vibrant relationship with You that produces lasting fruit, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing. I abide in You, the True Vine, and I ask that You abide in me. Let my life be connected to You so that I may bear much fruit, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, for every young person reading this, I pray that they will remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Let them not waste their years on sin and vanity but dedicate their strength and energy to serving You, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, for those who are no longer young, I pray that the remaining years of their lives will be fully dedicated to You. Beautify their lives with Your glory and let them finish well, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific areas where you need to remember God more—time, priorities, service, relationships—and ask for grace to be fruitful).

11. Thank You, Father, for creating me for Your pleasure. I will remember You all the days of my life and bear fruit that remains, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: WEDNESDAY MARCH 18TH 2026


THEME: REMEMBER YOUR CREATOR


MEMORISE: Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil dayys come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, | have no pleasure in them;
Ecclesiastes 12:1


READ: Mark 11:12-20
12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

16 And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

17 And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

19 And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.


MESSAGE
Today's Bible reading tells the story of how Jesus saw a fig tree from afar and approached it because He was hungry. On getting to the tree, He discovered that it had no fruit on it even though it had many leaves, and He cursed it. One lesson we can learn from this story is that God expects every living thing to be productive; He created everything for His pleasure (Revelation 4:11) and wants them to reveal His glory.
One detail that used to baffle me any time I read the passage in today's Bible reading is that the time for figs had not yet come (Mark 11:13). I used to think to myself, "If it wasn't the season for figs, why did Jesus expect the fig tree to have fruit?" I later realized that, where the issue of time is concerned, God's time is always the right time.

For instance, if God wakes you up at 3am or 4am, it is wrong to tell Him that it is too early for you to wake up. No matter how early the Sovereign God wakes you up, it means your day has begun-His time is always the right time.

In today's memory verse, God instructs young people to remember Him while they are still in their youth. This means that the best time to serve God is when a person is young. It is best for people to surrender their hearts and lives to God in the morning of their years because those who seek God early will always find Him (Proverbs 8:17).

If you are a young person and you are reading this, Jesus wants your heart now; He wants you to bear fruits for His kingdom now that you're still young. He wants you to be fervent in spirit, serving Him (Romans 12:11). Don't squander your youth on the altar of sin or waste it by pursuing unimportant things; seek God early. Do not be like the fig tree, which had nothing to offer Jesus when He came seeking fruit from it. God has commanded us to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28); however, to be fruitful, you must cultivate a vibrant relationship with Him because you can do nothing without Him (John 15:4).

Beloved, I plead with you to remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Even if you are no longer a youth, dedicate the rest of your life to serving Him, and He will beautify your life with His glory.


KEY POINT
Remember your Creator.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 14-16


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 7: I AM THINE O LORD
1 I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2 Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.

3 O the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!

4 There are depths of love that I yet may know
Ere Thee face to face I see;
There are heights of joy that I yet may reach
Ere I rest in peace with Thee.

Correct Answers

1. B. Good fruit.
2. B. He will bless the Lord and have His praise continually in his mouth.
3. C. At all times—when sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up.
4. B. He had learned the art of worship and thanksgiving from his father, Abraham.
5. B. Give thanks.

Objective Questions

1. According to Matthew 7:17, what kind of fruit does a good tree bring forth?
A. Evil fruit.
B. Good fruit.
C. No fruit at all.
D. Bitter fruit.

2. In Psalm 34:1-3, what does David declare he will do at all times?
A. He will keep silent before the Lord.
B. He will bless the Lord and have His praise continually in his mouth.
C. He will make requests and petitions.
D. He will hide from the Lord.

3. According to Deuteronomy 6:5-9, when should parents teach their children God's word?
A. Only on Sundays.
B. When they are in trouble.
C. At all times—when sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up.
D. Only during family devotions.

4. In Genesis 22:1-18, what did Isaac's question about the lamb for the sacrifice reveal about his upbringing?
A. He had never been to worship before.
B. He had learned the art of worship and thanksgiving from his father, Abraham.
C. He was questioning God's provision.
D. He was afraid of the sacrifice.

5. According to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, what should believers do in everything?
A. Complain and grumble.
B. Give thanks.
C. Remain silent.
D. Seek their own will.

Prayer Points on "THE INTENTIONAL PARENT III"

1. Father, I thank You for being the God of all grace and the source of every good and perfect gift. Thank You for the privilege of raising children for Your glory, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have allowed grumbling, complaining, and negative talk to fill my home instead of praise and thanksgiving, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, help me to be a parent who blesses You at all times and whose praise continually flows from my lips. Let my children learn the art of gratitude by watching my example, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, teach me and my household to give thanks in everything, regardless of our circumstances, as You have commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Let gratitude be our lifestyle, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, just as Isaac learned the way of worship from Abraham, let my children learn the way of praise, worship, and thanksgiving from me. Let them grow up with hearts full of gratitude, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, deliver me and my family from the spirit of entitlement and ingratitude. Let us always recognize Your hand in every situation and respond with praise and thanksgiving, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, I pray for every home represented here. Let the atmosphere in our homes be filled with praise, thanksgiving, and rejoicing in the Lord always, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, let my children grow up to be adults who bless You at all times, who boast in the Lord, and who magnify His name continually. Let them be agents of gratitude in a world full of complaint, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, help me to be intentional in teaching my children not only with words but with my life—showing them what it means to bless You in every season, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific areas where you need to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and ask God to help you model this for your children).

11. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayers. I receive the grace to be a grateful parent, and I trust You to raise grateful children who will bless You all their days, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: TUESDAY MARCH 17TH 2026


THEME: THE INTENTIONAL PARENT III


MEMORISE: Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:17


READ: Psalms 34:1-3
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.

3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.


MESSAGE
Over the past two days, I have discussed how important it is for parents to train their children in God's way and some of the things they must consciously do to achieve this. A poorly trained child often grows up to become a nuisance to society. However, when children are brought up in a godly manner, they grow up to become adults whom their parents can be proud of and good models for other people to emulate.

As I round off this series today, I would like to mention again that parents should teach their children God's word, ways, and principles at all times. It is not enough to teach and guide them occasionally; parents must train their children at all times. For example, parents must teach their children when they are in the house, away from home, and when they sit, stand, or lie down (Deuteronomy 6:5-9). I will discuss one other thing that parents must do at all times as part of their lifestyle, and this is showing gratitude.

In today's Bible reading, David said that he would bless the Lord at all times, and His praise shall continually be on his lips. This is one of the things that parents must do non-stop; they should continualy praise the Lord. Some Christian homes are filled with grumbling, complaining, and all manner of negative talk. Raising children in such an atmosphere will condition them to have a negative mindset when they grow up to become adults. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that we should always give thanks to God in everything, regardless of whatever situation we find ourselves in. Parents should let gratitude flow from their lips continually so that their children can pick up that trait from them. Many of the problems in society today stem from the fact that there are too many ungrateful adults who have grown up with a sense of entitlement.

In Genesis 22:1-18, when Abraham was taking Isaac up Mount Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice to God, Isaac asked his father where the lamb for the sacrifice was. This shows that Isaac knew that no one should go to worship God empty-handed. He had learnt the art of worship and thanksgiving from his father and must have seen his father practice it many times.

Giving thanks always is a very important thing that every parent must do to train up their children in the way of the Lord. Parents who are not grateful and thankful should not expect their children to be.


KEY POINT
Ungrateful parents usually raise ungrateful children.


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 11-13


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 18: PRAISE TO THE LORD THE ALMIGHTY
1 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,
the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is
your health and salvation!
Come, all who hear;
now to his temple draw near,
join me in glad adoration.

2 Praise to the Lord, above
all things so wondrously reigning;
sheltering you under his wings,
and so gently sustaining!
Have you not seen all
that is needful has been
sent by his gracious ordaining?

3 Praise to the Lord, who will
prosper your work and defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy
shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriends you.

4 Praise to the Lord! O let all
that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath,
come now with praises before him.
Let the Amen sound
from his people again;
gladly forever adore him

Correct Answers

1. B. Rest and delight to their soul.
2. A. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in his season.
3. B. By praying for them regularly and confessing God's word over them.
4. B. It holds the power of life and death.
5. C. When they are toddlers, so it becomes engrafted in their spirits as they grow.

Objective Questions

1. According to Proverbs 29:17, what will a corrected son give to his parents?
A. Wealth and honor.
B. Rest and delight to their soul.
C. Many grandchildren.
D. Fame and recognition.

2. In Psalm 1:1-3, what is the description of the blessed man who delights in the law of the Lord?
A. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in his season.
B. He shall be like chaff driven by the wind.
C. He shall wander aimlessly through life.
D. He shall be scattered like dust.

3. According to the devotional, what is an important way parents should intentionally shape the lives of their children besides teaching them God's word?
A. By providing them with the best education.
B. By praying for them regularly and confessing God's word over them.
C. By giving them everything they want.
D. By enrolling them in multiple extracurricular activities.

4. What warning does Proverbs 18:21 give about the tongue?
A. It is insignificant and powerless.
B. It holds the power of life and death.
C. It should only be used for speaking in church.
D. It has no effect on children.

5. According to the devotional, when is the best time to start teaching children in the way of the Lord?
A. When they become teenagers.
B. When they start school.
C. When they are toddlers, so it becomes engrafted in their spirits as they grow.
D. When they become adults and can understand better.

Prayer Points on "THE INTENTIONAL PARENT II"

1. Father, I thank You for the wisdom and guidance in Your word concerning parenting. Thank You for the promise that children trained in Your way will bring rest and delight to their parents, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have failed to model godly behavior before my children, for every angry word, and for every negative pronouncement I have spoken over them, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, help me to be a godly example to my children at all times. Let my life reflect Christ in such a way that my children are drawn to serve You wholeheartedly, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, give me the grace to pray regularly for my children and to confess Your word over their lives. Let every word I speak over them be words of life, blessing, and destiny fulfillment, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, I commit my children into Your hands. Let them be like trees planted by the rivers of water, bringing forth fruit in their season. Let their leaves not wither, and let all they do prosper, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, help me to create intentional moments with my children—times of walking, talking, and praying together—where I can teach them Your word and how to apply it in every area of life, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, protect my children from the counsel of the ungodly, the way of sinners, and the seat of the scornful. Surround them with godly influences and friends who will encourage them in Your ways, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, for every parent reading this, strengthen them and fill them with wisdom, patience, and love. Let them see the fruit of their labor as their children grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, I pray that from their toddler years to adulthood, Your word will be engrafted in my children's spirits. Let them never depart from Your ways, and let them be a source of joy and rest to me in my old age, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific needs for your children—their character, faith, protection, future, etc.—and ask God to guide you as you parent them intentionally).

11. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayers. I trust You to perfect all that concerns my children and to make them arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: MONDAY MARCH 16TH 2026


THEME: THE INTENTIONAL PARENT II


MEMORISE: Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. Proverbs 29:17


READ: Psalms 1:1-6
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.


MESSAGE
Yesterday, I mentioned that God expects parents to train their children in His way. I also discussed how being filled with God's word is the first step in training children in the way of the Lord. Today, I will discuss some other steps that must be taken to train children in the way of the Lord.

It is important for parents to act in a godly manner at all times. Children usually copy what they see others do, especially their parents. If a child's parents are filled with the word of God, it becomes easier for the child to become interested in God's word. Parents who pray regularly and always ask their children to join them are creating the right environment for their children to build the capacity to pray as well. Whenever I went to visit my children while they were in school, I would often go on walks with them. On those walks, I would remind them of God's word and pray with them. At every opportunity I had, I ensured that i taught them the word of God and how to apply it across all spheres of life. This is why, today, as adults, they are fully committed to serving God.

When parents teach their children in the way of the Lord, they will have rest, as today's memory verse tells us. However, when they fail to model the right way for their children to live, they shouldn't be surprised when they lead sinful lives. Sadly, the ungodly lifestyles of some parents discourage their children from serving God.
Parents should also intentionally shape the lives of their children by praying for them regularly. They should confess God's word over their lives at all times and refrain from pronouncing negative words over them, especially when they are angry. The tongue is very powerful and holds the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21).
The best time to start teaching children in the way of the Lord is when they are toddlers, so that it will be engrafted in their spirits as they grow. Even when they become adults, parents should ensure that they continually remind them of God's word and pronounce it over their lives. They are to teach their children the word of God at all times (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Beloved, God wants His children to have peace in their old age. This is why He wants parents to train their children in the right way so they can give them rest in their old age.


REFLECTION
Are you modelling the right behavior to the children around you?


BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 9-10


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 24: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS
1 I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one marked an angry word
That ever heard him speak.

Refrain:
I want to be like Jesus,
God's well beloved Son;
I want to be like Jesus,
The pure and holy One.

2 I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met his Father there.

3 I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good,
So that of me it may be said,
He hath done what he could.

4 Alas! I'm not like Jesus,
As any one may see;
Thy gentle Spirit, Savior, send,
And make me like to thee.

Correct Answers

1. B. When he is old, he will not depart from it.
2. B. Teach them diligently to their children at every opportunity.
3. B. He has no joy.
4. B. It helps one stay away from sin.
5. C. To rely on when visiting nations that do not permit visitors to bring a Bible.

Objective Questions

1. According to Proverbs 22:6, what is the promise when a child is trained in the way he should go?
A. He will become wealthy and successful.
B. When he is old, he will not depart from it.
C. He will never face challenges in life.
D. He will become a leader in the community.

2. In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, what are parents commanded to do with God's words?
A. Keep them secret and only share them in church.
B. Teach them diligently to their children at every opportunity.
C. Write them in a book and store it away.
D. Only discuss them during religious festivals.

3. According to Proverbs 17:21, what is said about the father of a fool?
A. He has great joy and celebration.
B. He has no joy.
C. He is honored in the community.
D. He becomes wealthy.

4. What does Psalm 119:11 say about hiding God's word in the heart?
A. It makes one famous.
B. It helps one stay away from sin.
C. It guarantees wealth and prosperity.
D. It ensures long life.

5. What practical reason does the author give for memorizing Scriptures, especially when traveling?
A. To impress others with Bible knowledge.
B. To win Bible trivia competitions.
C. To rely on when visiting nations that do not permit visitors to bring a Bible.
D. To become a pastor or minister.

Prayer Points on "THE INTENTIONAL PARENT"

1. Father, I thank You for the gift of children and the privilege of being a parent. Thank You for Your word that guides us in training them in the way they should go, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every time I have been negligent, distracted, or inconsistent in intentionally teaching my children Your ways and Your word, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, fill my heart with Your word abundantly. Let the Scriptures dwell richly in me so that out of the abundance of my heart, I may speak life, wisdom, and truth into my children, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, give me the grace to teach Your commandments diligently to my children—when I sit in my house, when I walk by the way, when I lie down, and when I rise up. Let Your word be central in our home, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, help me to hide Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. Let memorizing Scriptures become a joyful discipline in my life and in the lives of my children, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, I pray for every parent reading this. Strengthen them, give them wisdom, and fill them with patience and love as they train their children in Your ways, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, let my children be wise and make my heart glad. Deliver them from foolishness and from every path that leads to sorrow. Let them fear You and follow Your ways all the days of their lives, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, on this Mothering Sunday, I pray for all mothers. Strengthen them, preserve them, and fill them with Your grace. Reward their labor of love and let them see the fruit of their efforts in their children, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, let Your word be written on the posts of my house and on my gates. Let every member of my household be saturated with Your truth and walk in Your light, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific needs concerning your children, your role as a parent, or prayers for mothers on this special day).

11. Thank You, Father, for hearing my prayers. I trust You to establish our home in Your word and to make our children arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.

Lord Jesus, I come to You with a deeply repentant heart, please, forgive me and wash all my sins away with your precious blood shed at Calvary. I surrender my life to you, today, and, I accept You, as my personal Lord and Saviour. Please, come into my life and save my soul from eternal damnation.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL


DATE: SUNDAY MARCH 15TH 2026


THEME: THE INTENTIONAL PARENT


MEMORISE: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6


READ: Deuteronomy 6:5-9
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.


MESSAGE
God expects parents to intentionally train their children so that the children can give them rest. Intentionally training children yields many benefits, but it is disastrous when parents don't train their children in the right way. Proverbs 17:21 says that the father of a fool has no joy. In other words, if parents don't want to spend the rest of their lives in sorrow, they should train their children in the way of the Lord. Proverbs 10:1 says that a wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is his mother's heaviness. This means that when children are wise, they fear the Lord and follow His way, making their parents joyful. However, when they are foolish and don't follow the way of the Lord, they make their parents sorrowful. It is non-negotiable for parents to intentionally train their children in the way they should go. This is so important that God commanded parents in today's Bible reading to teach their children God's way at every opportunity.

Training children in the way of the Lord starts with ensuring that they are filled with God's word. Parents who are wise spend time memorizing Scriptures and teach their children to do the same because keeping God's word in their hearts will help them stay away from sin (Psalm 119:11). Sadly, memorizing the Scriptures has almost become alien among many Christians. As a young Christian, I memorized the Bible often.
Memorizing the Scriptures has been extremely helpful for me. For example, when I travel to nations that do not permit visitors to come into their land with a Bible, it is the Scriptures I have memorized that I rely on. Unfortunately, many Christians these days don't even read the Bible, let alone memorize it.

It is extremely important for parents and all other Christians to keep the word of God in their hearts; it is a command, as we see in today's Bible reading. It is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Some believers may not realize how bankrupt they are of God's word until there is an emergency, because it is when pressure is applied to a container that its content becomes revealed.

Beloved, it is what your heart is filled with that will spill into the lives of those around you, including your children, if you are a parent. If you are not filled with God's word, you cannot train your children in God's way.


PRAYER POINT
Today is Mothering Sunday. Pray that God will strengthen and preserve all mothers.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Judges 6-8


AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE


HYMN 28: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
Guide me, O thou great Jehovah
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.

Correct Answers

1. B. It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
2. B. Five loaves and two fishes; twelve baskets.
3. A. The widow of Zarephath.
4. A. He must be Lord of all, or He will not be Lord at all.
5. B. God will reveal Himself in ways beyond their wildest imagination and give them full support.

Objective Questions

1. According to Jeremiah 10:23, what does the prophet acknowledge about the way of man?
A. The way of man is in his own hands.
B. It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
C. Man can direct his steps with wisdom.
D. Man's way is determined by his choices alone.

2. In John 6:5-13, how many loaves and fishes did the lad have, and how many baskets of fragments remained after feeding over five thousand?
A. Seven loaves and a few fishes; seven baskets.
B. Five loaves and two fishes; twelve baskets.
C. Two loaves and five fishes; five baskets.
D. Ten loaves and two fishes; ten baskets.

3. What example from 1 Kings 17 is given of someone who surrendered their last meal and experienced supernatural provision?
A. The widow of Zarephath.
B. The Shunammite woman.
C. Hannah.
D. Ruth.

4. According to the devotional, what must God be in a person's life, or He will not be Lord at all?
A. He must be Lord of all, or He will not be Lord at all.
B. He can be Lord of some areas and not others.
C. He is Lord regardless of our surrender.
D. He only requires partial surrender.

5. What assurance is given to those who commit their ways and surrender all to the Lord?
A. They will never face challenges.
B. God will reveal Himself in ways beyond their wildest imagination and give them full support.
C. They will become wealthy immediately.
D. They will never make mistakes.

Prayer Points on "LET HIM HAVE IT ALL"

1. Father, I thank You for being the Unlimited God who can take my little and multiply it beyond my imagination. Thank You for Your faithfulness to those who surrender all to You, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, I ask for mercy for every area of my life where I have held back, struggled with You, or failed to fully surrender my plans, resources, and future into Your hands, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, I surrender all to You today—my life, my family, my finances, my career, my dreams, and my future. Take full control and let Your will be done in every area, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, like the lad who gave his five loaves and two fishes, I give You the little I have. Multiply it for Your glory and use it to bless others abundantly, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, just as You provided for the widow of Zarephath when she surrendered her last meal, I trust You to meet every need in my life supernaturally. Let me never lack any good thing, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, I acknowledge that it is not in me to direct my steps. I commit my ways to You completely. Lead me in the path of righteousness and guide me into Your perfect will, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, let Your full support, protection, and help be upon my life. Give me unprecedented and wholesome victories in every battle I face, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, I choose to let You be Lord of all in my life. Every area—my thoughts, words, actions, relationships, and resources—I place under Your lordship, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, I pray for everyone reading this who is struggling to surrender. Give them the grace to let go and let You have it all, trusting that You are faithful to keep what is committed to You, in Jesus' name.

10. My personal prayer point: (Mention specific areas of your life where you need to fully surrender to God—finances, relationships, career, fears, etc.).

11. Thank You, Father, for receiving my surrender. I trust You to bring out the best from my life and to keep everything I have committed into Your care, in Jesus' mighty name. Amen.